2015 Chrysler 200

April 14, 2014 2:00 AM

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Chrysler has swept the design slate clean and come up with a new entry for the most fiercely competitive segment of the car industry, the midsize sedan. In this case, it's the Chrysler 200.
(All photos by Michael Taylor) less

Chrysler has swept the design slate clean and come up with a new entry for the most fiercely competitive segment of the car industry, the midsize sedan. In this case, it's the Chrysler 200.
(All photos by ... more

Chrysler has swept the design slate clean and come up with a new... Photo-6163351.83820 - SFGate

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The design is fluid and the car is markedly better looking than the Dart, from which it derives some of its parentage. Reminds me a bit of the Ford Fusion, particularly in the rear, with the smooth tail light and trunk lid treatment. less

The design is fluid and the car is markedly better looking than the Dart, from which it derives some of its parentage. Reminds me a bit of the Ford Fusion, particularly in the rear, with the smooth tail light ... more

The design is fluid and the car is markedly better looking than the... Photo-6163352.83820 - SFGate

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The Chrysler 200 has a lot of competition. Here’s a sampling of four-door sedans that are all in the roughly $21,000 to $34,000 range, depending on trim level and options: Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata and Chevrolet Malibu. less

The Chrysler 200 has a lot of competition. Here’s a sampling of four-door sedans that are all in the roughly $21,000 to $34,000 range, depending on trim level and options: Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, ... more

The Chrysler 200 has a lot of competition. Here’s a sampling of... Photo-6163353.83820 - SFGate

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The driver and front-seat passenger each get well-formed seats that are comfortable for the long haul.

The driver and front-seat passenger each get well-formed seats that are comfortable for the long haul.

The driver and front-seat passenger each get well-formed seats that... Photo-6163354.83820 - SFGate

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Rear seat legroom was pretty sparse.

Rear seat legroom was pretty sparse.

Rear seat legroom was pretty sparse. Photo-6163355.83820 - SFGate

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The remote key fob, which should transmit signals to tell the car it’s okay to start, was mute and powerless when covered by a cell phone in one of the cup holders.

The remote key fob, which should transmit signals to tell the car it’s okay to start, was mute and powerless when covered by a cell phone in one of the cup holders.

The remote key fob, which should transmit signals to tell the car... Photo-6163356.83820 - SFGate

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For most of the week I had the car, there was an on-again, off-again buzzing from inside the center stack, which holds the HVAC controls and the 8.4-inch touchscreen for navigation and audio.

For most of the week I had the car, there was an on-again, off-again buzzing from inside the center stack, which holds the HVAC controls and the 8.4-inch touchscreen for navigation and audio.

For most of the week I had the car, there was an on-again,... Photo-6163357.83820 - SFGate

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The 3.6-liter, 295-horsepower V6 was clearly up to the task of keeping up with California freeway traffic (a 2.4-liter, 184-horse four-banger is in the base model), and mileage figures for the six-cylinder car are 19/32 mpg, city/highway. less

The 3.6-liter, 295-horsepower V6 was clearly up to the task of keeping up with California freeway traffic (a 2.4-liter, 184-horse four-banger is in the base model), and mileage figures for the six-cylinder car ... more

The 3.6-liter, 295-horsepower V6 was clearly up to the task of... Photo-6163358.83820 - SFGate

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Dual cup holders in the center console.

Dual cup holders in the center console.

Dual cup holders in the center console. Photo-6163359.83820 - SFGate

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The cup holder section slides back to reveal a large cubby with 12-volt socket for a cell phone charger cord.

The cup holder section slides back to reveal a large cubby with 12-volt socket for a cell phone charger cord.

The cup holder section slides back to reveal a large cubby with... Photo-6163360.83820 - SFGate

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The trunk has a pass through for long objects, such as skis or garden stakes.

The trunk has a pass through for long objects, such as skis or garden stakes.

The trunk has a pass through for long objects, such as skis or... Photo-6163361.83820 - SFGate

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There were printed labels – Speedometer and Tachometer – on each of the two primary instruments, instruments, I might add, that have been lodged in cars’ dashboards for half a century or more. What’s going on here? Re-education camp? less

There were printed labels – Speedometer and Tachometer – on each of the two primary instruments, instruments, I might add, that have been lodged in cars’ dashboards for half a century or more. What’s ... more